Choosing to train as a Humanist funeral celebrant was doubtless one of the best decisions I have ever made! It certainly wasn’t a decision made in haste because, looking back, my interest in becoming a celebrant began over 20 years ago when I undertook the planning of my mother’s funeral. Over the years I became increasingly involved in various relatives’ funerals; with a clutch of elderly aunties I was kept quite busy! When my father died overseas I organised and conducted two ceremonies, one for his cremation in Spain and the other a memorial for our family at home. My experiences as a celebrant to date have been life changing, and the skills and qualities I have developed since that first ceremony for Mum have been invaluable in my work with bereaved families. I now work across Gloucestershire and in neighbouring counties to help families to create uplifting, dignified and meaningful ceremonies for their loved ones.

I have been told that my ‘style’ is personal, professional, sensitive and empathetic and that families find me approachable and accessible. My aim is to ensure they have complete confidence that the ceremony, their ceremony, will be just right and will fully reflect their own and their loved one’s needs and wishes.

As for my other interests, I am an avid badminton player and enjoy walking, gardening and reading. I also make bowls and sculptures from kiln fired glass, exhibiting in various galleries in Cheltenham and beyond.

Contact Gillian

Who we are

HUMANIST CEREMONIES is a network of humanist celebrants trained and accredited by Humanists UK. We offer humanist naming, wedding or partnership, and funeral and memorial ceremonies for non-religious people. Each ceremony is unique, appropriate, and personal. Our skilled celebrants come from all walks of life and have great integrity, sensitivity and experience. Their ceremonies reflect these personal qualities and the excellence of our training.

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